Ceramic Maria Doll Sculpture from Mexico, "Monochrome Maria Doll"

This adorable doll will make a beautiful gift for newborns, kids, and adults alike. Graciela Orozco takes inspiration from traditional Mexican rag dolls - known as Maria dolls - to create this charming ceramic sculpture.

The charming doll originated in Mexico City when many Otomi and Mazahua people migrated to the capital in the 1970s. Due to their unique traditional clothing, the women became known as "Marias." An educational program was established for them and artist Diego Rivera's daughter, Guadalupe Rivera Marin, encouraged crafting these popular rag dolls as a way to generate income in the 1980s. Artisan women took the idea home to their Mazahua and Otomi towns and the dolls became popular throughout Mexico and abroad.